Lecture 1.3: Scientific Method 8th Grade Science Ms. McKinley

What is the Scientific Method? The process that scientists use to solve real-world problems or answer real-world questions.

Steps in the Scientific Method Observation/Problem Steps in the Scientific Method Ask a Question Form a Hypothesis Test the Hypothesis Analyze Results/ Draw Conclusion

Scientific Questions MUST be TESTABLE This means you should be able to design an experiment that would help to answer the question.

YOU decide: Which ones are “TESTABLE”? Which brand of skateboard is better? Which brand of skateboard is the strongest? Should I paint my bike? What happens when you leave a bike in the rain? Which brand of cleaner works best? Which kind of plant food makes plants grow the most? Which exercise program will help me lose the most weight? Why do dogs bark? Why do babies cry? What types of objects fly?

Form a Hypothesis A hypothesis is your answer to a scientific question. An explanation that can be tested w/ a scientific experiment Cue brain

Testing your Hypothesis Must be a fair test!! The scientist should only change one factor (item or thing) at a time while keeping all other conditions the same. Variable any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types Constants (also called controls) Any factor the scientist wants to remain constant (unchanged) throughout the experiment Factor = something that can change our results

2 Types of Variables Independent Variable (IV): The one factor that is changed by the scientist EXAMPLE: The type of paper used Dependent Variable (DV): The factor that the scientist measures or observes EXAMPLE: The distance each plane flew